Condiment dispenser



Feb. 10, 1953 KURZ CONDIMENT DISPENSER Filed Aug. 13, 1949 INVENTOR ADOL'PH KU RZ NEY Patented Feb. 10, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CONDIMENT DISPENSER Adolph Kurij Union, N. J.

Application August 13, 1949, Serial No. 110,136

9 Claims.

My invention relates to condiment dispensers, more particularly to a multi-compartment dispenser of improved design.

Various attempts have been made to make multi-compartment dispensers, such, for exami ple, as a single dispenser for dispensing salt and pepper and to provide a design which may be quickly and easily assembled and which is simple in structure and efiective in use. Devices of this kind are normally provided with closure members to permit filling of the dispenser and, also, to close ofi apertures to the particular compartment or chamber not in use. Difficulties have been encountered not only in design but also in providing efiective closure members which will remain in a neutral or closed position when the device is in use, but which will readily permit a filling of the compartments, and will also eliminate excess or surplus condiments escaping from their compartments and which particles interfere with the operation of the closure members. Diificulties are also presented in attempting to deliver measured amounts of condiment where a two-compartment device is used and in providing a distinguishing character or feature which will read- It is therefore the principal object of my invention to provide an improved multi-compartment condiment dispenser which is simple in design and which eliminates the usual objections found in dispensers of this kind.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of this kind which can be readily fabricated, for example, of plastic material, which is light in weight, which is strong in construction and which is readily assembled. I

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of this kind in which the closure member for the filling apertures may be readily rotated and which can be locked in a neutral position when the device is in use.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of this kind in which the bottom closure plate and the rotatable cover cooperating therewith have means for limiting the movement of the cover between the apertures formed for filling the device and in which means are provided for permitting a tight closure contact between the cover and the closure plate, although stray particles of condiment find their way between the plate and the rotatable closure member.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of this kind in which the separate compartments are readily distinguishable to permit the user to quickly and accurately select the proper compartment.

' Another object of my invention is to provide a device of this kind which may be readily positioned for filling the several compartments in a convenient manner.

A further object of my invention is to provide means within the dispenser for breaking up condiments, the particles of which may adhere together because of temperature changes or humidity changes.

A further object is-to provide a device of this kind which will permit measured quantities of condiments to be dispensed.

Another object is to provide a device which will insure that only the desired condiment is re- "leased.

These and other objects will appear hereinafter.

Briefly the dispenser made according to my invention comprises a multi-compartment dispenser formed by assembling molded parts in a predetermined manner, quickly and easily. It comprises a pair of like, somewhat semi-cylindrical members, having a recess formed in their contacting registering edges for receiving a partition, the partition being supported on a base member in the form of a plate received in an annular groove in the bottom of said semi-cylindrical members for closing the end of the dispenser, the plate and one of the semi-cylindrical members being provided with registering elements to permit quick assembly, a rotatable base cover, received within a second annular groove or depression formed in the registering members to be in slide'ablecontact with the closure plate. The rotatable"closure..member or cover has supporting portions reducing ,friction to a minimum and means for'locking the closure member in a neutral position when the. aperture formed therein is moved midway between the filling apertures in the plate member communicating with the separate compartments within the dispenser. The plate member and cover are provided with a groove and stop member cooperating therewith to limit movement of the cover to register. the aperture therein with the apertures in the plate member. The groove, and apertures are provided with slightly. raised lips for close slidable con.- tact with the closure member or cover whereby stray particles of condiment can not lodge between the plate and cover and that prevent the cover from tightly closing the filling apertures. The device is designed so that it canbe assembled in steps quickly and effectively in simple jig arrangements.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the invention, pointed out in the particularity in the appended claims and taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a longitudinal section taken through a device made according to my invention;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section taken along the line 22 of Figure 1 with parts broken away to show details of construction;

Figure 3 is a side elevation with parts broken away to show details of the device made according to my invention and shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 4 and 5 are bottom and side views of the bottom plate member used with a device shown in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the rotatable closure member or cover utilized in a device shown in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, and;

Figure 7 is a section taken along the lines 'l-l of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an exploded view illustrating the method of assembling of a device made according to my invention, and

Figure 9 is an enlarged section taken along the lines 59 of Figures 4 and 6 showing details of construction of the bottom plate and closure member.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a device made according to my invention may be molded entirely from plastic material. It comprises the two like registering somewhat semi-cylindrical portions i0 and H having the recessed contacting edge portions l0 and H for. receiving therein and therebetween the partition l2, which divides the dispenser into two compartments. The two halves may he of different colors so that the compartments may be readily distinguished according to the condiment utilized. The two portions of the dispenser are flared outwardly toward the bottom and provided with the annular recesse M, l5, l4 and 15' for receiving respectively the bottom plate closure member I3 and the rotatable closure member orcover H. The bottom closure plate member 13 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 30 for receiving the lower end of partition l2. The upper ends of the registering members I!) and II are provided with the enlarged bulged out portions which have the apertures 2| and 2| through which condiment may be. dispensed, the upper ends are provided with the inwardly extending lips 20 which perform a dual function of breaking up the condiment. such as salt. and also assist. in measuring with the large head portions, measured amounts of condiment at, the apertures. Condiment from the compartment not'being used cannot be dispensed since it would have to be ejected upwardly against gravity through the apertures in the upper outwardly bulged portion. The top of the casing is flattened at 24 so that it may be rested on this end when it is desired to fill the device from the other end.

To assist in assembly and to insure proper registration, the portion H of the casing may be provided with a detent or stud-like element 3| received within the depression 3! of the closure 1 plate member [3, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5. The bottom of theplate member may be provided with an arcuate shaped groove 28 formed by segmentally shaped lip 28 for purposes to be described. and with a pair of filling apertures 26 and 21 communicating with the different compartments on opposite sides of the partition 12.

The rotating closure member or cover 1'! is shown in greater detail in Figures 6 and '7. This closure member is provided with segmental portions 39 and 49 extending slightly beyond the circumference of the rotatable closure member 17. The outer circumference of the closure member is slightly less in diameter than the outer diameter of the plate closure 23, the purpose of this construction is two-fold. This construction reduces friction of the rotatable closure or cover member within its annular groove and reduces the chance that in assembly the closure member will be inadvertently fixed in position by the sealing material for sealing the other parts of the device together. Lips 3? and 38 provide means to rotate the closure member l'i' with respect to the closure plate 13. The closure member or cover I? is provided with a stud-like element 4! having slot 4i and which is received within the groove 28 and acts as a stop member when it engages the ends of the groove formed by lip 28. When in neutral position, that is, with aperture 35, which is bevelled at 36 is positioned midway between apertures 26 and 2?, the rib M" on plate 13 and which is slightly raised engages the slot M in the stud or stop member 4i. Sumcient flexing is provided to permit the stud to ride over the rib 4|" when forced but is normally rigid enough to retain the closure member in neutral position when the dispenser is in use. When the aperture in the closure member reaches the one or the other of the apertures 26 or 21 the relationship of the parts is as indicated in Figure 9. It will be seen that there is a space between the two members for permitting loose particies of condiment to enter between the two parts and not interfere with tight closure of the apertures in the plate member by the closure member I1.

Figure 8 may be referred to to describe the method of assembly. The bottom plate member l3 may be assembled in a jig with the slot 30 up. The partition l2- has applied to its lower edge thereof a sealing material which may be of a plastic material and the part assembled in the slot, pressure being applied between the two elements to fix them in position. The bottom closure plate or cover i? may then be assembled on another jig and the closure plate 13 with partition l2 assembled thereover with one of the apertures of the plate member and closure member in registry upon a pin for example. The two halves l0 and il then have a sealing compound applied to the edges thereof for assembling on opposite sides of the partition with elements 3| and 3i in registry. These elements are then forced together downwardly and inwardly in a special fixture which forces the edges together with the annular slots receiving the bottom plate [3 and closure member or cover 11. They may remain in the jig for a predetermined period of time until the plastic glue has set, or heat may be utilized to accelerate setting.

It will thus be seen that I have provided a novel multi-compartment dispenser having a pleasing appearance, which is of simple construction andv of few parts, which can be readily assembled and which obviates the difilculties normally associated with a dispenser of this kind. It provides means for dispensing measured quantities and dispensing only the condiment desired. The closure member permits tight closing and insures a complete closure by providing locking means for the closure member when'the' device is in use as a dispenser. It is also provided with means in the form of a fiat top for facilitating filling and because of its unique construction reduces friction of the rotatable member or cover when it is desired to fill the dispenser.

While certain specific embodiments have been described, it will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A dispenser comprising an elongated body portion having a plurality of compartments and a closure member at one end thereof, said closure member comprising a flat plate having a plurality of apertures, said apertures having raised lips there around and an arcuate groove provided on said plate by a lip extending therefrom, said lips lying in a common plane and a rotatable cover supported in said body adjacent to and in contact with said lips whereby space is provided between the surface of said plate and said rotatable cover, said rotatable-cover having a stud extending therefrom received within said groove, said stud having a slot therein and a rib extending across said groove to be received within said slot when said rotatable cover is in a neutral aperture closing position.

2. A multi-compartment dispenser comprising an elongated body'portion increasing in transverse section from one end to the other, said body portion comprising a pair of longitudinally extending like registering members, said members being provided with registering recesses along the edges thereof and a partition received within said recesses, a bottom closure plate having a transverse slot on one surface thereof for receiving one end of said partition, said registering members being provided with an annular recess for receiving said closure plate and a rotat-,

able closure member adjacent to and in contact with said plate, said registering members having a second annular recess adjacent said first annular recess for rotatably receiving said closure body portion having a pair of adjacent annular recesses at one end, a closure member supported in one of said recesses, said closure member comprising a fiat plate having a plurality of aper tures, said apertures having raised lips there around and an arcuate shaped groove provided,

on said plate by a lip extending therefrom, said lips lying in a common plane and a rotatable cover supported in the other of said recesses and in contact with said lips whereby space is provided between the surface of said plate and said rotatable cover, and a stud on said rotatable closure member received within said groove for limiting movement of said rotating closure mem ber.

4. A multi-compartment dispenser comprising an elongated body portion increasing in trans 6 registering members being provided with an annular recess for fixedly receiving said closure 'plate and a-rotatable cover adjacent to and in contact with said plate, said body members-having a second annular recess adjacent said first annular recess for rotatably receiving said rotatrecess adjacent said first annular recess'for' rotatably receiving said closure member, said closure member having segmental extensions thereon whereby only said extensions only contact the walls of its supporting annular recess, said bottom closure plate being provided with a pair of apertures having lips extending above the surface of said closure plate, an arcuate shaped lip extending from the surface of said closure plate and forming an arcuate groove, said rotatable closure member having a stud-like extension received within said groove for limiting rotation of said rotatable closure member between limits, to register the aperture in said rotatable closure member with one or the other of said apertures in said closure plate member.

6. A dispenser comprising an elongated body portion having a plurality of compartments and a closure member at one end thereof, said closure member comprising a flat plate having a plurality of apertures, said apertures having raised lips there around and an arcuate groove provided on said plate by a lip extending therefrom, said lips lying in a common plane and a rotatable cover supported in said body adjacent to and in contact with said lips whereby space is provided between the surface of said plate and said rotatable cover, said rotatable cover having an aperture and a stud extending from said cover received within said groove, said stud contacting the lip of said groove to limit movement of said rotatable cover whereby the aperture in said rotatable cover will register with one or the other of said apertures in said plate when said stud moves to one or the other end of said groove.

7. A multi-compartment dispenser comprising an elongated body portion increasing in transverse section from one end to the other, said body portion comprising a pair of like longitudinally extending registering members, said members being provided with registering recesses along the edges thereof and a partition received within said recesses, a bottom closure plate having a slot for receiving one end of said partition, said registering members being provided with an annular recess for fixedly receiving said closure plate, said closure plate and one of said registering members having registering positioning elements for assembly, and a rotatable cover adjacent to and in contact with said plate, said body members having a second annular recess adjacent said first annular recess for rotatably receiving said cover.

8. A multi-compartment dispenser comprising an elongated body portion increasing in transverse section from one end to the other, said body portion comprising a pair of like longitudinally extending registering members, said members being provided with registering recesses along the edges thereof and a partition received within said recesses, a bottom closure plate having a slot for receiving the end of said partition, said registering members being provided with an annular groove for receiving said plate, a rotatable closure member adjacent to and in contact with said plate, said body members having a second annular recess adjacent said first annular recess for rotatably receiving said closure member, said bottom closure plate being provided with a pair of apertures having lips extending above the surface of said closure member, an arcuate shaped lip extending from the surface of said closure plate and forming an arcuate groove, said rotatable closure member having a stud-like extension received within said groove for limiting the rotatable movement of said rotatable member between limits.

9. A multi-compartment dispenser comprising an elongated tapered body portion, said body portion comprising a pair of like elongated registering members, said members being provided with registering recesses along the edges thereof and a partition received within said recesses, a bottom closure plate having a s1ot for receiving one end of said partition, said registering members being provided with an annular groove for receiving 0 said closure -plate, a rotatable closure member adjacent to and in contact with said plate, said registering members having a second annular sure member having segmental extensions thereon whereby said extensions contact the walls of its annular recess, said bottom closure plate being provided with a pair of apertures having lips extending above the surface of said closure plate, an arcuate shaped lip extending from the surface of said closure plate and forming an arcuate groove, said rotatable closure member having a stud-like extension received within said groove for limiting the rotatable movement of said rotatable member between limits, the smaller end of said body portionbeing fiat.

ADOLPH KURZ.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,446,878 Clary Feb. 27, 1923 1,602,745 Binkele Oct. 12, 1926 1,757,525 Hart May 6, 1930 2,206,209 Thorn July 2, 1940 

